A NEW task force is being set up to tackle poaching, illegal slaughter, livestock theft and illegal meat supplies.

The police, environmental health and trading standards teams, the Food Standard Agency and a number of rural and agricultural organisations are taking part in the new task force.

Police say the problems are linked to wide-scale organised crime that compromises animal welfare and food safety. Officers say this includes theft, trespass and firearms offences, often resulting in intimidation of victims and loss of property or trade.

The new task force aims to share information, powers, knowledge and skills.

Wildlife crime officer PC Martin Beck, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: ‘The police need the public to work with us and our partners to protect people from harm. 

‘We recognise that rural crime such as theft, trespass with firearms and poaching are of concern and we wish to work with the public to solve issues and bring offenders to justice.

‘If anyone  has information about who is involved, what they are doing, how they are doing it and when, we need to know.’

The agencies want to hear from people with information regarding anyone who may be:

Poaching deer or theft of livestock;

Trespassing with dogs or firearms;

Involved in illegal slaughtering;

Selling illegally processed meat

To report a crime (including poaching after the crime has taken place) please phone 101.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.